Post on 10-Jun-2020
Health Consultation METRO CONTAINER NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITE
TRAINER DELAWARE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
EPA FACILITY ID PAD044545895
Prepared by
Pennsylvania Department of Health
FEBRUARY 8 2013
Prepared under a Cooperative Agreement with the
US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Community Health Investigations
Atlanta Georgia 30333
Health Consultation A Note of Explanation
A health consultation is a verbal or written response from ATSDR or ATSDRrsquos
Cooperative Agreement Partners to a specific request for information about health risks
related to a specific site a chemical release or the presence of hazardous material In
order to prevent or mitigate exposures a consultation may lead to specific actions such
as restricting use of or replacing water supplies intensifying environmental sampling
restricting site access or removing the contaminated material
In addition consultations may recommend additional public health actions such as
conducting health surveillance activities to evaluate exposure or trends in adverse health
outcomes conducting biological indicators of exposure studies to assess exposure and
providing health education for health care providers and community members This
concludes the health consultation process for this site unless additional information is
obtained by ATSDR or ATSDRrsquos Cooperative Agreement Partner which in the
Agencyrsquos opinion indicates a need to revise or append the conclusions previously issued
You May Contact ATSDR Toll Free at
1-800-CDC-INFO
or
Visit our Home Page at httpwwwatsdrcdcgov
HEALTH CONSULTATION
METRO CONTAINER NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITE
TRAINER DELAWARE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
EPA FACILITY ID PAD044545895
Prepared By
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology
Under a Cooperative Agreement with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Table of Contents
Summary 3
Introduction 3
Conclusions 4
Background and Statement of Issues 6
Background 6
Site Description 6
Site History and Operations 7
Demographics 8
Site Visit 8
Exposure Pathway Analysis 8
Historical Site Sampling Investigations 11
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation13
Discussion 14
Onsite 14
Offsite 16
Residential Community 16
Stoney Creek and Delaware River 16
Fish consumption 17
Childrenrsquos Health 19
Community Concerns 20
Conclusions 20
Recommendations 21
Public Health Action Plan 21
References 23
Report Preparation 24
Appendix 1 Figures 25
Appendix 2 Site Photographs32
Appendix 3Glossary of Terms 38
2
Summary
Introduction The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) prepared this health consultation
(HC) for the Metro Container Site (lsquothe sitersquo) in Trainer Delaware County
Pennsylvania The site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2011 and finalized to the
NPL in March 2012 ATSDR and PADOH prepared this HC to evaluate
whether the public has been or is being exposed to levels of contaminants from
historical site activities that could harm their health Based on historical
sampling data and EPA investigations the on-site sub-surface soil on-site
groundwater and adjacent creek sediments are contaminated with
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals In this HC PADOH
reviewed the on-site sampling data and offered recommendations for additional
residential environmental sampling PADOHrsquos purpose is to serve the public by
using the best science taking responsive public health actions and providing
trusted health information to prevent or mitigate exposures to harmful
substances PADOH worked under a cooperative agreement with ATSDR to
complete this HC document
3
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Health Consultation A Note of Explanation
A health consultation is a verbal or written response from ATSDR or ATSDRrsquos
Cooperative Agreement Partners to a specific request for information about health risks
related to a specific site a chemical release or the presence of hazardous material In
order to prevent or mitigate exposures a consultation may lead to specific actions such
as restricting use of or replacing water supplies intensifying environmental sampling
restricting site access or removing the contaminated material
In addition consultations may recommend additional public health actions such as
conducting health surveillance activities to evaluate exposure or trends in adverse health
outcomes conducting biological indicators of exposure studies to assess exposure and
providing health education for health care providers and community members This
concludes the health consultation process for this site unless additional information is
obtained by ATSDR or ATSDRrsquos Cooperative Agreement Partner which in the
Agencyrsquos opinion indicates a need to revise or append the conclusions previously issued
You May Contact ATSDR Toll Free at
1-800-CDC-INFO
or
Visit our Home Page at httpwwwatsdrcdcgov
HEALTH CONSULTATION
METRO CONTAINER NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITE
TRAINER DELAWARE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
EPA FACILITY ID PAD044545895
Prepared By
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology
Under a Cooperative Agreement with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Table of Contents
Summary 3
Introduction 3
Conclusions 4
Background and Statement of Issues 6
Background 6
Site Description 6
Site History and Operations 7
Demographics 8
Site Visit 8
Exposure Pathway Analysis 8
Historical Site Sampling Investigations 11
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation13
Discussion 14
Onsite 14
Offsite 16
Residential Community 16
Stoney Creek and Delaware River 16
Fish consumption 17
Childrenrsquos Health 19
Community Concerns 20
Conclusions 20
Recommendations 21
Public Health Action Plan 21
References 23
Report Preparation 24
Appendix 1 Figures 25
Appendix 2 Site Photographs32
Appendix 3Glossary of Terms 38
2
Summary
Introduction The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) prepared this health consultation
(HC) for the Metro Container Site (lsquothe sitersquo) in Trainer Delaware County
Pennsylvania The site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2011 and finalized to the
NPL in March 2012 ATSDR and PADOH prepared this HC to evaluate
whether the public has been or is being exposed to levels of contaminants from
historical site activities that could harm their health Based on historical
sampling data and EPA investigations the on-site sub-surface soil on-site
groundwater and adjacent creek sediments are contaminated with
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals In this HC PADOH
reviewed the on-site sampling data and offered recommendations for additional
residential environmental sampling PADOHrsquos purpose is to serve the public by
using the best science taking responsive public health actions and providing
trusted health information to prevent or mitigate exposures to harmful
substances PADOH worked under a cooperative agreement with ATSDR to
complete this HC document
3
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
HEALTH CONSULTATION
METRO CONTAINER NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITE
TRAINER DELAWARE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
EPA FACILITY ID PAD044545895
Prepared By
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology
Under a Cooperative Agreement with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Table of Contents
Summary 3
Introduction 3
Conclusions 4
Background and Statement of Issues 6
Background 6
Site Description 6
Site History and Operations 7
Demographics 8
Site Visit 8
Exposure Pathway Analysis 8
Historical Site Sampling Investigations 11
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation13
Discussion 14
Onsite 14
Offsite 16
Residential Community 16
Stoney Creek and Delaware River 16
Fish consumption 17
Childrenrsquos Health 19
Community Concerns 20
Conclusions 20
Recommendations 21
Public Health Action Plan 21
References 23
Report Preparation 24
Appendix 1 Figures 25
Appendix 2 Site Photographs32
Appendix 3Glossary of Terms 38
2
Summary
Introduction The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) prepared this health consultation
(HC) for the Metro Container Site (lsquothe sitersquo) in Trainer Delaware County
Pennsylvania The site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2011 and finalized to the
NPL in March 2012 ATSDR and PADOH prepared this HC to evaluate
whether the public has been or is being exposed to levels of contaminants from
historical site activities that could harm their health Based on historical
sampling data and EPA investigations the on-site sub-surface soil on-site
groundwater and adjacent creek sediments are contaminated with
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals In this HC PADOH
reviewed the on-site sampling data and offered recommendations for additional
residential environmental sampling PADOHrsquos purpose is to serve the public by
using the best science taking responsive public health actions and providing
trusted health information to prevent or mitigate exposures to harmful
substances PADOH worked under a cooperative agreement with ATSDR to
complete this HC document
3
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Table of Contents
Summary 3
Introduction 3
Conclusions 4
Background and Statement of Issues 6
Background 6
Site Description 6
Site History and Operations 7
Demographics 8
Site Visit 8
Exposure Pathway Analysis 8
Historical Site Sampling Investigations 11
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation13
Discussion 14
Onsite 14
Offsite 16
Residential Community 16
Stoney Creek and Delaware River 16
Fish consumption 17
Childrenrsquos Health 19
Community Concerns 20
Conclusions 20
Recommendations 21
Public Health Action Plan 21
References 23
Report Preparation 24
Appendix 1 Figures 25
Appendix 2 Site Photographs32
Appendix 3Glossary of Terms 38
2
Summary
Introduction The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) prepared this health consultation
(HC) for the Metro Container Site (lsquothe sitersquo) in Trainer Delaware County
Pennsylvania The site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2011 and finalized to the
NPL in March 2012 ATSDR and PADOH prepared this HC to evaluate
whether the public has been or is being exposed to levels of contaminants from
historical site activities that could harm their health Based on historical
sampling data and EPA investigations the on-site sub-surface soil on-site
groundwater and adjacent creek sediments are contaminated with
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals In this HC PADOH
reviewed the on-site sampling data and offered recommendations for additional
residential environmental sampling PADOHrsquos purpose is to serve the public by
using the best science taking responsive public health actions and providing
trusted health information to prevent or mitigate exposures to harmful
substances PADOH worked under a cooperative agreement with ATSDR to
complete this HC document
3
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Summary
Introduction The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) prepared this health consultation
(HC) for the Metro Container Site (lsquothe sitersquo) in Trainer Delaware County
Pennsylvania The site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2011 and finalized to the
NPL in March 2012 ATSDR and PADOH prepared this HC to evaluate
whether the public has been or is being exposed to levels of contaminants from
historical site activities that could harm their health Based on historical
sampling data and EPA investigations the on-site sub-surface soil on-site
groundwater and adjacent creek sediments are contaminated with
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals In this HC PADOH
reviewed the on-site sampling data and offered recommendations for additional
residential environmental sampling PADOHrsquos purpose is to serve the public by
using the best science taking responsive public health actions and providing
trusted health information to prevent or mitigate exposures to harmful
substances PADOH worked under a cooperative agreement with ATSDR to
complete this HC document
3
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reviewed the available Conclusions environmental sampling data for the site and concluderecommend the
following
Conclusion 1
Basis for
Conclusion
Exposures to on-site soil contamination are not expected to harm peoplersquos
health Because access to the site is controlled the public is not being exposed
to on-site contamination
Sampling collected from on-site soil the adjacent Stoney creek sediment and
groundwater have detected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
However public exposures via trespassing are unlikely because a fence and
controlled access gate is present The potential for workersrsquo exposures is
limited because a gravel and stone surface cover along with existing structures
limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and
groundwater The site uses the public water drinking water and not
groundwater for a drinking water source Therefore there is no completed
exposure pathway
Conclusion 2
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of possible
contaminants in off-site residential soil could harm peoplersquos health
No environmental sampling data has been collected in the adjacent community
to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in the residential
community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
Given the extensive past environmental violations at the site historical
operations and on-site sampling data showing significant sub-surface
contamination PADOH recommends that EPA collect off-site soil samples to
determine the potential for residential exposure to contaminants PADOH will
review additional environmental sampling data if available and issue a public
health conclusion
Conclusion 3
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation from
vapor intrusion is occurring and if indoor air levels could harm peoplersquos
health
Groundwater on the site is highly contaminated with VOCs Groundwater off-site
could also be contaminated with VOCrsquos but currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the ground surface VOCs can off gas from the
groundwater up through the soil and through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface into
the overlying building Vapor intrusion from groundwater contaminated with
VOCs into off-site and on-site structures remains a potential exposure pathway
of concern However currently there is no indoor air data to determine if vapor
intrusion is occurring
PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site
buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor intrusion
4
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Conclusion 4
Basis for
Conclusion
Next Steps
For More
Information
pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the Remedial
InvestigationFeasibility Study indicate high levels of VOCs in the groundwater
beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH recommends
EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air
to investigate the vapor intrusion pathway PADOH will evaluate this data if
available and issue a public health conclusion
PADOH does not have fish tissue sampling data to evaluate and cannot
determine site-related contaminant levels in fish tissue in the Delaware River However given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site
contaminants and the current fish consumption advisories the public should
follow the fish consumption advisories
Several of the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in
sediments of the adjacent Delaware River such as benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These contaminants
persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish As a result of
contamination in particular mercury and PCB contamination from industrial
properties along the Delaware River the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission has issued fish consumption for the area There currently is a no-
eat fish advisory for American eel and carp in the lower Delaware River from
Trenton New Jersey to the PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consumption of
other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped bass
are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month
If fish tissue sampling data becomes available PADOH will evaluate this data
and provide a public health conclusion
If you have concerns about your health you should contact your health care
provider For questions or concerns about the site please contact the PADOH
Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at (717) 346-3285 or via e-
mail at chlloydpagov
5
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Background and Statement of Issues
Background The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) prepared this Health Consultation (HC) document for the Metro Container site (lsquothe
sitersquo) In March 2012 the site was proposed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National
Priorities List (NPL) also known as Superfund in September 2011 and finalized to the NPL in March
2012 Based on historical environmental sampling and EPArsquos site removal investigations on-site subshy
surface soil groundwater and creek sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals
[1] There is a potential for on-site contamination to migrate off-site to the adjacent community and
Delaware River In this HC PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data and
recommends the need for additional environmental sampling on-site and in off-site residential areas
Site Description The Metro Container site is located in Trainer Delaware County Pennsylvania approximately 10
miles northeast of Wilmington Delaware 15 miles southwest of Philadelphia Pennsylvania and 017
mile upstream and north of the confluence of a small tributary known as Stoney Creek and the
Delaware River (Appendix 1 Figures 1-2) The boroughs of Trainer and Marcus Hook and Chester
City are heavily industrialized Historical information indicates that various industries have operated
in the area since the mid-1800s The Delaware River waterfront area has maintained numerous
industrial complexes including shipbuilding and dry docks several oil refineries locomotive works
an automobile assembly plant paper mills and various manufacturing facilities Site access is
restricted by a chain link fence to the east north and west and by Stoney Creek to the South Stoney
Creek is located between the Metro Container Site and former Conoco Phillips property and access is
restricted to this area The site is surrounded by industrial facilities including a scrap metal yard
railroad yard and waste water treatment plant to the east and the former Conoco Phillips refinery to
the south and west A mixed commercial and residential area is located north of the site directly
across West Second Street Both the railroad yard and a portion of the former Conoco Phillips
property are located between the Delaware River and the site [2]
The site is a graded industrial property of approximately 1041 acres (Appendix 2) Two buildings are
currently located on the site The larger building is 40000-square-feet (ft2) and is currently used by
Trainer Industries LLC as a chemical storage and painting area The smaller building is
approximately 6000-ft2and is used for office space The open area located west of the building is used
for sand blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting By agreement with the current property
owner most of the site was graded by the neighboring property ConocoPhillips and was used in 2006
for overflow parking Currently the gravel and stone cap along with on-site structures covers a
majority of the site eliminating direct contact with sub-surface contamination The northwest portion
of the site is characterized by trees and shrubs and ground cover vegetation Some areas of the site
including between the two structures are covered with asphalt An elevated recently graded area south
of the gravel-covered parking lot is the former location of a concrete holding tank [2]
Geological investigations of the sitersquos sub-surface have shown that a large portion of the site is fill
material with some areas of fill extending to a depth of 17 feet below grade Large areas of the site
especially along the banks of Stoney Creek are composed entirely of fill materials These fill materials
include chemical wastes sludge demolition debris from buildings and tanks flyash metal piping and
contaminated crushed drums [2] Some areas of the site which were formally low lying areas along
6
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
the bank of Stoney Creek have been completely filled in with waste materials and debris to create a
larger and more evenly graded site [2]
Site History and Operations The site has a long industrial history At the end of the 19th century the property was used by the
Delaware Oil Works By 1913 the property was occupied by an expansive operation of the
Manufacturers Paraffin Company which included dozens of iron storage tanks refinery stills an
agitator house a boiler house open water condensers finished product storage facilities and a packing
shed and barreling house for the finished wax products From 1920 until 1959 the Stauffer Chemical
Company Inc (Stauffer) operated a chemical manufacturing plant on the property In the 1950rsquos
Stauffer constructed a waste disposal lagoon in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to
Stoney Creek and west of the former drum reconditioning building Historical maps also indicate that
the waste disposal lagoon might have been converted from a pond that fed into Stoney Creek In 1963
after standing idle for 4 years the property was purchased by the Joseph A Reis Company and
converted into a steel drum reconditioning facility The Joseph A Reis Company filed for bankruptcy
sometime prior to January 1969 when the Universal Container Corporation took ownership of the
property from a bankruptcy trustee Universal Container continued the drum reconditioning operations
even though the property itself was conveyed to the Delaware County Industrial Development
Authority in December 1970 In 1983 the property was owned by the First Union Commercial
Corporation and then by the Metro Container Corporation Drum reconditioning operations at the
facility ended in December 1987 when Metro Container filed for bankruptcy [2]
At the height of site operations the site received approximately 450000 to 500000 drums per year
some empty but many were allegedly filled or partially filled with hazardous materials paints
solvents petroleum products and other substances The drums would arrive at the facility and were
stored in stacked rows on the western end of the facility just north of the converted drum reclaiming
building The drums would be moved into the building and emptied into tanksvessels and pre-flushed
prior to caustic being applied to the exterior to strip off the paint The outside of the drums were then
rinsed before interior cleaning using caustic Following the caustic cleaning interior metal stripping
was performed using hydrochloric acid followed by two cycles of cold rinsing Storage tanks were
distributed throughout the property to support treatment of the generated rinsate water and the
recovering of product and sludges from the drums themselves including storage of acid alum caustic
toluene No 5 fuel oil waste oil spent caustic wastewater chemicals and paints [2]
The contents of the drums and the fluids generated in the drum cleaning process were reportedly
treated to remove oil and grease The treated wastewater was decanted and reused as rinse water in the
drum cleaning operations During each day of operation about 10 of the reused rinse water was
removed and replaced by fresh water to control the build-up of chlorides This removed wastewater
was reportedly discharged to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
(DELCORA) sewer system after additional treatment and pH adjustment Sludge from the wastewater
operation was thickened with lime and transported off-site to the Sumptor Landfill in Sumptor
Michigan although site investigations have shown that sludge was also buried on site After
DELCORA shut off the facilityrsquos access to the sewer system Metro Container operators dumped waste
directly into Stoney Creek [2]
The Metro Container facility has a long history of environmental impacts and regulatory involvement
related primarily to the drum reconditioning operations conducted at the facility by the Joseph A Reis
Company Universal Container and Metro Container dating back to 1965 In addition to discharging
polluted water into Stoney Creek wastewater was discharged into the sewers of DELCORA that
7
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
exceeded pollution effluent limits specified in the facility permit Other violations included dumping
hazardous waste and discharging contaminated water into Stoney Creek storing hazardous waste
disposing of hazardous waste on the property illegally (particularly burying the waste outside dumping
it inside the former drum reconditioning building and covering it with concrete to conceal the waste)
and walling-up a room where hundreds of drums containing hazardous chemicals were stored [2]
In the late 1980s EPA conducted a removal action at the site due to the lack of responsiveness from
responsible parties (RPs) In addition to establishing a presence to control waste handling activities by
the RPs EPA installed a fence to restrict site access constructed a temporary retaining wall to limit
off-site migration conducted sampling and analysis of waste materials and removed over 130000
gallons of oil-contaminated rain water from the lagoon and secondary containment structures The RPs
assumed control of the removal action on June 1989 through the issuance of an Administrative
Consent Order As part of the Consent Order over 6000 tons of sludge drums and contaminated
soils were removed by the RPs [1]
Demographics PADOH assessed the demographic data near the site to identify the population(s) potentially exposed
to contaminants (Appendix 1 Figure 3) By looking at the land use in the area PADOH can identify
activities that could expose people to contaminants as well as the rate of those activities The site is
located in an area of southeastern Pennsylvania which is densely populated The site is located in a
mixed use area with industrial facilities especially the areas along the Delaware River waterfront and
neighboring residential communities To the east of the site on former industrial land along the
Delaware River is a large soccer stadium PPL Park designed as a catalyst for economic revitalization
for the area Two oil refineries are west of the facility along the Delaware River the former Conoco
Phillips refinery and Sunoco Marcus Hook refinery In 2012 the former Conoco Philips refinery was
sold and a new owner will likely restart refinery operations The Marcus Hook Elementary School is
located within a half-mile of the site
Based on 2010 Census data the population within one-square mile of the site is 10253 with 4382 total
housing units Approximately 54 of the population is black 38 white 8 Hispanic and the
remainder other races The population density closest to the site based on census tract data range
from under 1000 people per square mile to over 2000 people per square mile
Site Visit In November 2011 the PADOH Health Assessment Program and ATSDR Region 3 staff conducted a
site visit with EPA and the current site owner (Appendix 2 Site Photographs) PADOH viewed the
property current operations and adjacent Stoney Creek In addition PADOH discussed site
background information and community concerns and conducted a tour of the surrounding community
Exposure Pathway Analysis An exposure to a chemical and the possibility of adverse health effects requires persons to come
into contact with the chemical through [3]
bull ingestion (eating the chemical)
bull inhalation (breathing the chemical) or
bull dermal exposure (absorbing the chemical through the skin)
8
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Having contact with a chemical does not necessarily result in adverse health effects A chemicalrsquos
ability to result in adverse health effects is influenced by a number of factors in the exposure situation
including [3]
bull how much of the chemical a person is exposed to (the dose)
bull how long a time period a person is exposed to the chemical (the duration)
bull how often the person is exposed (the frequency) and
bull the amount and type of damage the chemical can cause in the body (the toxicity of the
chemical)
To result in adverse health effects the chemical must be present at concentrations high enough and
exposures to the chemical must be long enough to cause harm Knowing or estimating the frequency
with which people have contact with hazardous substances is essential to assessing the public health
importance of these contaminants Health effects from exposure to potentially harmful substances may
vary with the individual or particular groups of individuals such as children the elderly and persons
with weakened immune responses or other chronic health issues These susceptible populations may
have different or enhanced responses compared to most persons exposed at the same chemical
concentration Reasons for these differences may include genetic makeup age health status
nutritional status and exposure to other substances (like cigarette smoke or alcohol) These factors
may limit that personrsquos ability to detoxify or eliminate the harmful chemicals from their body or may
increase the effects of damage to their organs or physiological systems[3]
Exposure pathways (how people may come into contact with substances contaminating their
environment) are evaluated to determine if people have come into contact with site contaminants or if
they may in the future A completed exposure pathway contains the following elements [3]
1 A source of chemical of concern (contamination) such as a hazardous waste site or
contaminated industrial site
2 Movement (transport) of the contaminant through environmental media such as air
water or soil
3 A point of exposure where people come in contact with a contaminated medium such
as drinking water soil in a garden or in the air
4 A route of exposure or how people come into contact with the chemical such as
drinking contaminated well water eating contaminated soil on homegrown vegetables
or inhaling contaminated air and
5 An exposed population of persons that can come into contact with the contaminants
The elements of an exposure pathway may change over time so the time frame of potential exposure
(contact) is also considered Exposure may have happened in the past may be taking place at the
present time or may occur in the future A completed pathway is one in which all five pathway
components exist in the selected time frame (the past present or future) If one of the five elements is
not present but could be at some point the exposure is considered a potential exposure pathway The
length of the exposure period the concentration of the contaminants at the time of exposure and the
route of exposure (skin contact ingestion and inhalation) are all critical elements considered in
defining a particular exposure event If one of the five elements is not present and will not occur in the
future it is considered an eliminated exposure pathway Suspected or possible exposure pathways
can be ruled out if the site characteristics make past current and future exposures extremely unlikely
If people do not have access to contaminated areas the pathway is eliminated from further evaluation
9
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Groundwater and surface water near the site are not used for potable water supply for the borough of
Trainer therefore this exposure pathway is eliminated The nearest drinking water inlet is located on
the Delaware River approximately 30 miles upstream from the site Trainer Borough and other nearby
municipalities get their drinking water from the Octorara Creek Reservoir part of the Susquehanna
River Basin which is located 30 miles west of the site and in a different watershed from the Delaware
River Watershed Groundwater is widely utilized as a drinking water supply in New Jersey The
Delaware River which is 125 miles wide near the site could affect the drinking water quality in New
Jersey and serve as a potential exposure pathway [2] However at this time PADOH does not have
hydrogeology information or sampling data to review this potential exposure pathway
Trespassing and trespasser exposures to contaminants in on-site soils and sediments are unlikely
because a fence and controlled gate access is present and thereby eliminates this exposure pathway
PADOH do not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek since the former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and access is restricted
The banks of the Delaware River near the site are heavily industrialized and therefore sediment is
generally unavailable for direct human exposure unless the sediments are disturbed and ingested while
engaging in recreational activities at the creek At the site there was no information provided to
indicate that recreational activities occur except for recreational fishing along the Delaware River
The following is a summary of the eliminated exposure pathways at the site
Eliminated exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater
atnear the site
Groundwater
near the site
in PA
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion The public is currently not using
the groundwater as a drinking
water supply and this pathway is
eliminated
Contaminated
surface soil and
sediments from
site activities
Soil
On-site soil
and
sediments
Ingestion of
contaminated
sediment and
soil
The site is covered with a layer of
clean fill and the public does not
have access to the site therefore
this pathway is eliminated
Residents living near the site may come into contact with contaminated soils on their property due to
the migration of contaminants from historic site activities Soil ingestion could occur by the
inadvertent ingestion of soil particles on a personrsquos hands especially children or tracked into the home
incidental ingestion of soil particles on fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens mouthing objects
with soil particles such as childrenrsquos toys or intentional ingestion of soil (soil-pica behavior) Another
potential exposure pathway is inhalation of airborne soil outside or via soil that is tracked into the
home It is also important to note that vegetative covers (eg lawns) exist above the surface soil
contamination acts as a buffer and limits exposure to the contamination Conversely people residing
on parcels with areas of exposed soils with no vegetation will have an increased likelihood and
frequency of exposures to potentially contaminated soils Currently there is no off-site residential soil
sampling data to evaluate these potential exposures
Another potential exposure pathway is inhalation of VOCs via vapor intrusion from contaminated
groundwater into residential structures and on-site buildings Given the composition of the sub-surface
10
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
materials the direction of groundwater and soil vapor migration is not easily discernible Ground
penetrating radar (GPR) studies on-site have identified underground piping and waste stream channels
These underground anomalies can create preferential vapor and groundwater pathways which are
difficult to characterize [2] VOCs could be migrating into on-site and off-site structures however
currently there is no indoor air sampling data to evaluate
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several of
the contaminants detected in site investigations were also found in sediments of the Delaware River
such as benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in fish People are exposed if
they consume contaminated fish [2] PADOH does not have fish sampling data to evaluate but offer
recommendations based on the current fish advisories for the area
Potential exposure pathways
Source Medium
Exposure
Point
Route of
Exposure Exposed Population
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
Residential
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in
residential indoor
air
Persons in the past present and
future located near the site with
VOCs in indoor air
Contaminated
groundwater at
the site
Groundwater
via vapor
intrusion
On-site
indoor air
Inhalation of
VOCs in the
indoor air of on-
site structures
Workers in the past present and
future in buildings where VOCs
are present in indoor air
Contaminated
surface soil
from site
activities
Soil Residential
soil
Ingestion of
contaminated
soil outside or
tracked into the
home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
surface soil
from historical
site activities
Soil Residential
soil
Inhalation of
airborne soil
outside or tracked
into the home
Persons in the past present and
future with contaminated
residential soil
Contaminated
sediment and
surface water
from historical
site activities
Surface
waterfish Fish
Ingestion of
contaminated fish
Persons in the past present and
future consuming contaminated
fish
Contaminated
groundwater
via the
Delaware River
Groundwater
in New
Jersey
Residential
drinking
water
Ingestion Groundwater in New Jersey
is used as drinking water
source and could be affected
by contaminants in the
adjacent Delaware River
11
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Historical Site Sampling Investigations Since the 1980s a number of environmental site investigations have been performed by EPA and
various private parties These investigations have shown the sub-surface soils of the site to be heavily
contaminated with a wide range of hazardous wastes including metals (eg lead and arsenic) PCBs
and numerous organic compounds both volatiles (eg benzene toluene ethylbenzene and xylenes
(BTEX) vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene) and semi-volatiles (eg PAHs) Many of the chemical
contaminants at the concentrations detected in the sub-surface soils would be acutely hazardous if
direct contact were to occur However as stated in the previous section the public does not have
access to on-site soils and therefore this is not a completed or potential exposure pathway [2]
Numerous Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Removal and Site Assessment actions have been conducted related to the Metro Container facility
including a Preliminary Assessment three Removal Assessments a Potentially Responsible Party
(PRP) search two EPA Removal Actions a PRP Removal Action and an Administrative Order
Consent In December 1987 EPA performed a site inspection and environmental sampling to
determine if contaminants posed an immediate health threat The following observations were made
during the inspection (1) approximately 60000 preconditioned drums were estimated to be on site (2)
shutdown of the facilityrsquos wastewater treatment system resulted in the build-up of untreated sludge
which was stored in the concrete holding tank and thousands of unsecured drums throughout the
facility and (3) the property was unfenced and drums containing sludge were in extremely poor
condition many of which were leaking Sampling during the assessment included an ash pile sludge in
drums and in the concrete holding tank and liquid discharge from a drain-pipe leading into nearby
Stoney Creek Results from the sampling showed a variety of contaminants in the sludge including
benzene toluene several chlorinated hydrocarbons phenols and lead however none of the
characteristics exhibited a threat to public health and therefore EPA determined that a Removal Action
was not warranted at that time [2]
In February 1988 the US Coast Guard due to material migration from the site into the Delaware
River requested EPA Emergency Response to assess the potential threat of this migration EPA
initiated a Removal Action in September 1988 to secure and stabilize the site Removal Action
activities included installing a fence around the perimeter of the property to limit public contact with
on-site materials A 300-foot long plywood retaining wall was constructed along Stoney Creek to
serve as a barrier to material migration into Stoney Creek in the event of a catastrophic release of
wastewater oil and sludge from the concrete holding tank or its secondary containment both of which
had overflowed and impacted Stoney Creek on previous occasions In addition 136700 gallons of oil-
contaminated rain water from the concrete holding tank and its secondary containment was removed
for off-site disposal [2]
In June 1989 Removal Action activities at the site included the removal and off-site disposal of
approximately 6000 tons of waste including sludge tanks drums and contaminated soil The
concrete holding tank was decommissioned and closed which included removal of the liquids and
sludge from the holding tank and secondary containment The upper 1-foot of soil within the secondary
containment area was removed and the area was backfilled Visually impacted soils in the areas west
and northwest of the drum reconditioning building were scrapped down to an approximate depth of 1
to 15 feet resulting in approximately 6500 cubic yards of soil being excavated [2] In July 1991
owners and operators of Metro Container plead guilty in Federal court to charges of violating Federal
environmental statutes [2]
12
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
In 1998 Pennoni Associates Inc (Pennoni) conducted an environmental site assessment on behalf of
Service Painting Inc (presently Trainer Industries) who were considering the purchase of the
abandoned property In 1999 based on the findings of the ESA Pennoni conducted on-site sampling
Results of soil samples indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals Analysis of
sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek indicated the presence of PAHs PCBs and metals On-
site monitoring wells indicated the presence of VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals in ground water
samples [2]
In 2000 Pennoni collected additional samples to address PADEP comments on the Remedial
Investigation and Risk Assessment Report including several sediment and seep samples in Stoney
Creek Analytical results found PAHs and PCBs at concentrations in excess of PADEP Surface Water
Human Health Criteria Based on the seep analytical results and the quality of the emerging ground
water from the Stoney Creek seeps Pennoni recommended the removal of impacted soils in the
location of what they called Seep-3 which was located directly downgradient of the former waste
disposal lagoon [2]
In 2005 as part of a potential site purchase Conoco Phillips performed a site characterization The
site characterization report included a summarization of historical activities including environmental
sampling and the disposal waste material tanks and drums Results showed elevated levels of
contaminants in the former on-site waste disposal lagoon including but not limited to VOCs
(benzene tetrachloroethylene toluene trichloroethylene) PAHs (anthracene benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(ghi)pyrene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene
dibenzo(ah)anthracene naphthalene pyrene) PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor
Additional environmental samples were also collected including on-site soil sediment and
groundwater samples The majority of soil samples were performed to investigate the sub-surface
contamination A total of 5 of 130 samples were collected from 0 to 2 feet in depth Six sediment
samples were collected from Stoney Creek biased toward potential seep locations where contaminated
groundwater would most likely discharge [4]
The Conoco Phillips investigation revealed that the western end of the property (adjacent to Stoney
Creek) underwent filling with demolition debris fly ash metallic debris and crushed drums over time
that channelized Stoney Creek farther to the west and brought the property up to a consistent grade
with the eastern end of the property Sludge deposits were mixed in with fill material in the western
and southwestern property areas Based on the geophysical survey results four test trenches were
excavated to areas of anomalies suggestive of metallic objects Temporary groundwater wells were
installed at 84 of the 130 soil sampling locations Analytical results of ground water samples indicate a
VOCs PAHs PCBs and metals contaminant plume underlying most of the western end of the Metro
Container property Well-defined areas of high concentrations include locations downgradient of the
former concrete holding tank south and downgradient of the former waste disposal lagoon and
southeast and downgradient of the former drum reconditioning building [4]
EPA Removal Environmental Sampling Investigation In addition to the large body of historical on-site sampling data described above EPA conducted
additional site investigations (Appendix 1 Figure 4-6) EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in
2007 sediment sampling in 2008 and additional soil and sediment sampling in 2010 The site was
listed to the EPA NPL in March 2012 A Remedial InvestigationFeasibility Study (RIFS) will be
performed During RIFS EPA will collect additional environmental data and may include off-site
13
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
locations The purpose of EPArsquos RIFS process for the Metro Container site includes the following
[5]
bull Gather data to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
bull Establish criteria for cleaning up the site
bull Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action
bull Analyze the technology and cost of the alternative clean-up actions
During the March 2007 EPA removal investigation EPA collected surface soil sub-surface soil
ground water on-site soil gas and on-site surface water and sediment samples from Stoney Creek and
analyzed for VOCrsquos SVOCs PCBs pesticides and metals VOCs SVOCs PCBs pesticides and
metals were detected in various matrices at concentrations exceeding applicable EPA Region 3 risk-
based concentrations (RBCs) Specifically the PCBrsquos Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260
were detected at concentrations exceeding their applicable RBCs in surface soil samples including
maximum concentrations up to 15000 39000 and 62000 micrograms per kilogram (microgkg) or parts
per billion (ppb) respectively Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek
adjacent to the property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 at concentrations
exceeding applicable RBCs including maximum concentrations up to 2000 9500 and 9400 microgkg
respectively PCB congeners reported in the sediment samples from Stoney Creek were compared to
congeners detected in ground water samples collected from on-site monitoring wells EPA concluded
that the PCBs detected in the Stoney Creek sediment samples had migrated from the site [6]
During the 2007 removal evaluation only one sediment sample (where Stoney Creek discharges into
the Delaware River) was collected To determine the potential impacts from the site to the Delaware
River in August 2008 EPA collected seven (including 1 duplicate sample) surface sediment samples
from 0 to 6 inches targeting an inlet of the Delaware River near Stoney Creek This area is bordered
by the siterailroad yard to the north the former Conoco Phillips site to the west and the water
treatment plant to the east thereby making trespassing in this area highly unlikely The analytical
results obtained from this sampling event indicate that sediments (from the channel of Stoney Creek to
the peninsula of undeveloped land to the northeast) are contaminated with PAHs and PCBs at
concentrations significantly exceeding corresponding EPArsquos Freshwater Sediment Screening
Benchmarks Sub-surface sediment samples were also collected where EPA noted in some parts an
oil-saturated sub-surface layer EPA compared the PCB congeners detected to the concentration of
congeners detected in the groundwater samples collected from on-site EPA found a correlation with
93 PCB congeners but also detected concentrations of PCB congeners significantly higher than on-site
or adjacent to the site This indicated PCBs are also entering this area from other sources in addition
to the site [7]
In June 2010 EPA collected five surface soil and three sub-surface soil samples from on-site locations
In addition 15 sediment samples were collected from Stoney Creek and the Delaware River Sample
analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs andor heavy metals in Stoney Creek and Delaware
River sediments and sub-surface soils at elevated concentrations (ie significantly above background
concentrations) downstream of Metro Container source areas [8]
Discussion Onsite There is a large amount of on-site environmental sampling data for the Metro Container site as
described above These data show very high concentrations of hazardous wastes on-site particularly
in the sub-surface soil and groundwater Chemical seeps along the Stoney Creek banks have also been
identified A fenced perimeter with a controlled gate for access reduces the likelihood for trespasser
14
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
exposures Graffiti and signs of vandalism are present which indicates trespassing occurred when the
site was inactive prior to the current tenantrsquos occupancy The risk of workers being exposed to subshy
surface contamination has been reduced by the gravel and stone cover placed on much of the surface of
the site and because current worker activities onsite require hazardous chemicals awareness and other
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) worker safety requirements Vapor intrusion
into onsite structures from heavily contaminated sub-surface soils and groundwater is still a potential
worker exposure pathway which has not been assessed due to lack of sampling data
In EPArsquos 2007 sampling VOCs PAHs PCBs pesticides and metals were detected in various
matrices Analytical results from sediment samples collected from Stoney Creek adjacent to the
property indicated Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 The following is a summary of the
data
Surface soil (0 to 6rdquo) Metals arsenic was detected in 20 of the 25 surface soils ranging from 23 to 23 mgkg and in
all 10 sediment samples from 21 to 89 mgkg lead was found in 5 of 25 surface soil ranging
from 1220 mgkg to 2340 mgkg
VOCs cyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were present in surface soils
PAHs benzo(a)pyrene was found in 15 of 25 surface soil samples ranging from 400 to 3300
microgkg and in 6 of 10 sediment sampling ranging from 460 to 3700 microgkg
dibenzo(ah)anthracene from 450 to 630 microgkg in 4 of the surface samples benzo(a)anthracene
was detected in 1 surface sample at 4100 microgkg and one sediment sample at 490 microgkg
Pesticides dieldrin was found in 8 of 25 surface samples ranging from 180 to 770 microgkg and
in 1 sediment sample at 330 microgkg
PCBs aroclor 1248 was found in 2 surface samples ranging from 3100 to 15000 microgkg and 1
sediment sample at 2000 microgkg aroclor 1254 ranged from 1500 to 39000 in 10 surface samples
and 1 sediment sample at 9500 microgkg aroclor 1260 ranged from 9200 to 37000 microgkg in 4
surface samples and in one sediment sample at 9400 microgkg
Groundwater and surface water data Metals arsenic was found in 8 of 19 groundwater samples ranging from 68 to 291 microgL and in
2 of 9 surface water samples at 56 and 62 microgL vanadium found in 3 samples between 436 to
3150 microgL and antimony in 3 samples from 166 to 282 microgL
VOCs trichloroethylene was present in 6 of 19 groundwater samples between 072 to 410
microgL tetrachloroethylene in 3 samples from 42 to 340 microgL benzene at max of 180 microgL was
detected and in one surface water sample at 52 microgL Several other VOCs were detected in the
groundwater (maximum values) including 14-dichlorobenzene 17 microgL bromomethane at 50
microgL carbon disulfide at 200000 microgL chloroform at 45 microgL methylene chloride at 25
microgL and vinyl chloride at 71 microgL
PAHs 6 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more SVOCs including 4-methylphenol
pentachlorophenol benzo(a)pyrene dibenzo(ah)anthracene ideno (123-dc) pyrene
benzo(k)fluoranthene benzo(b) fluoranthene and chrysene
15
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Pesticides and PCBs 7 of 19 groundwater samples contained one or more pesticides andor
PCBs including heptachloroepoxide dieldrin aldrin 44rsquo-DDE alpha-BHC aroclor 1254 and
arochlor 1260
Soil Gas Four soil gas samples were collected on-site along the property perimeter In all samples
contained ethanol trichlorofluoromethane isopropyl alcohol acetone carbon disulfide
hexane 2-butanone cyclohexane and benzene However samples were only collected for a 10
minute timeframe in summa canisters These samples were collected to give an indication of
potential contaminants and does not represent a vapor intrusion investigation since they were
collected in open area of the site (ie not gases accumulating under a building) and for a short
duration
Offsite
Residential Community The extensive on-site environmental sampling data set and additional environmental assessment
reports define a site that had been used for years as a waste and debris disposal area Site
characterization efforts indicate groundwater in the uppermost aquifer flows toward the south and
away from the residential community In addition groundwater samples collected in the northern
portion of the site closest to the residential community during EPArsquos 2007 Removal Assessment
activities did not show VOCrsquos above EPArsquos maximum contaminant level (MCL) Soil gas samples
collected along the property border (Price Street) during this sampling event do not suggest this area is
impacted by volatilization of organic compounds However control of contaminant migration
whether groundwater infiltration riverbank seepage or surface runoff is a current concern and
potentially could be a public health concern However off-site community data is not available
Underground anomalies have been identified through geologic investigations including GPR studies
The anomalies appear to be buried pipes and former disposal ditches in addition to large metal debris
fields which were identified as buried drum carcasses during excavation trenching operations
Preferential pathways for groundwater and vapor migration exist but have not been fully characterized
[4] These pathways may direct hazardous wastes and vapors from the site to the residential community
to the north
No data has been collected north of the site in the nearby residential community Environmental
sampling data including residential soil and indoor air are needed to determine whether contaminants
have migrated from the site into the residential area This data will allow PADOH to assess whether
exposures to contamination are occurring at levels of health concern It is PADOHrsquos understanding
that EPA will consider investigating the potential groundwater contamination and the vapor intrusion
pathway as part of the site RIFS
Stoney Creek and Delaware River Based on past site investigations seeps along the banks of Stoney Creek and the presence of
contaminated sediment in Stoney Creek confirm that hazardous wastes are migrating offsite to the
Delaware River A number of seeps are visible along the banks and contaminant plumes have been
photographically documented in the Creek itself Sediment samples from Stoney Creek and soils
along its banks show that site contaminants are being released from the site into the environment
PADOH does not expect the public to be exposed to contaminants along the Metro Container banks of
Stoney Creek The former Conoco Phillips property borders Stoney Creek and the steep banks and
heavy vegetation along Stoney Creek make access to these areas very difficult and highly unlikely In
16
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
addition it is highly unlikely the public would be exposed to contaminated sediments along the
Delaware River because the area is heavily industrialized [6-8]
Site investigations have reported the presence of leachate seeps immediately downgradient of the
waste disposal lagoon flowing into Stoney Creek In August 2008 EPA collected composite and grab
sediment samples from an area of Delaware River tidal mudflats located in the vicinity of Stoney
Creekrsquos mouth Four PCBs (Aroclor-1248 Aroclor-1254 Aroclor-1260 and Aroclor-1262) six PAHs
(benzo(a)pyrene benzo(b)fluoranthene benzo(k)fluoranthene chrysene fluoranthene pyrene) one
VOC (carbon disulfide) and three metals (cadmium chromium mercury) were detected in sediment
samples of Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] These contaminants were also detected at
elevated concentrations in soil samples collected from on-site source areas and the leachate seeps [6-8]
Therefore the presence of these contaminants in sediment samples downstream of the facility indicates
contaminants have migrated from the site into Stoney Creek and the Delaware River [2] The
following is a summary of the surface sediment (0 to 6rdquo) data
PAHrsquos (detected in 2 of the 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Phenanthrene 400
microgkg fluoranthene 420 microgkg pyrene 350 microgkg benzo(a)anthracene 270 microgkg chrysene 320
microgkg benzo(a) fluoranthene 230 microgkg benzo(k) fluoranthene 300 microgkg bis(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate 810 microgkg ideno(123 cd) pyrene 200 microgkg and benzo(ghi) pyrene 260 microgkg
Pesticides (detected in 1 of 7 surface sediment samples) 44rsquo-DDE at a maximum of 36 microgkg
PCBrsquos (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) at a maximum of Aroclor 1248 at 57
microgkg and Aroclor 1260 at 62 microgkg
Metals (detected in 2 of 7 surface sediment samples) Arsenic 76 microgkg cadmium 16 microgkg
lead 133 microgkg mercury 082 microgkg and zinc 341 microgkg
Fish consumption Some environmental contaminants found in surface waters and sediments may ultimately be taken up
by organisms from the water sediments or from contaminated food sources (this uptake process is
called ldquobioaccumulationrdquo) Some chemicals can be passed from one organism to another as smaller
organisms are eaten by larger organisms Contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic
organisms at concentration much higher than concentrations in the water and persist for many years in
the sediments where they accumulate by bottom-dwelling organisms Bottom-dwellers are lower on
the food chain and then pass the contaminants to fish that are higher on the food chain As a result top
predators in the food chain (ie largemouth bass walleye) may have concentrations of bioaccumlative
contaminants in their tissues [9] This process is called biomagnification The manner in which a
chemical moves between the water sediments and aquatic organisms is related to its structure and
chemical properties Chemicals that accumulate in fish may ultimately be ingested by animals or
people Some of these chemicals may be harmful If a person eats enough contaminated fish and the
contaminant concentrations in the fish are high enough adverse health effects may result [10]
Seeps have been identified from the site migrating via Stoney Creek to the Delaware River Several
contaminants detected in site investigations have a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation
These include benzo(a)anthracene benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene These
contaminants do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of
time and can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms present in the Delaware River The area near the site
along the Delaware River is heavily industrialized The Delaware River is a tidally influenced surface
17
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
water body at its confluence with Stoney Creek and has a tidal influence reaching as far north as the
vicinity of Morrisville Pennsylvania and Trenton New Jersey approximately 50 miles upstream of
Stoney Creek The Delaware Estuary is fished for human consumption via shore and boating on both
the New Jersey and Pennsylvania sides Species that inhabit the Delaware River that are targeted by
anglers in Pennsylvania New Jersey and Delaware include largemouth bass striped bass American
eel channel catfish white catfish and white perch [11]
Currently PADOH do not have fish tissue data to evaluate However PADOH recommend the public
follow the current fish consumption advisories in order to reduce the potential for exposure to
contamination from the site and other industrial properties As a result of contamination in particular
mercury and PCB contamination the estuary states of New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware have
issued fish consumption advisories The following is a summary of the current area fish advisories
bull For the PA Fish and Boat Commission the American eel and carp are subject to no-eat
fish advisories in the lower Delaware River from Trenton New Jersey to the
PennsylvaniaDelaware border Consuming other fish such as white perch channel
catfish flathead catfish and striped bass should be restricted to one meal per month
bull One meal is assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150shy
pound person The meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger
meals and smaller people who eat smaller meals people who regularly eat sport fish
women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible to contaminants
that build up over time [11]
bull The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has fish advisories
for sensitive individuals in this area These include a do not eat advisory for striped
bass white perch American eel channel and white catfish and blue Only one meal
per month is advised for weakfish [12]
The best way to reduce the potential health risks is to eat only the safest fish and using the proper
cleaning and cooking procedures to reduce potential contamination Some examples include [11]
bull Choose lean smaller and younger fish Generally panfish and fish just over the legal
size will have fewer PCBs and other chemicals
bull Release predator fish that are very large like walleye northern pike and muskie These
fish tend to have more PCBs Bass have different advisories Carp and catfish also tend
to accumulate more chemicals
bull Women of childbearing age pregnant women nursing mothers and young children
must select their catch or meals carefully
bull Properly trimming fish reduces the concentration of PCBs and other chemicals as
describes in the figure below About half of the PCBs can be removed by trimming
away the fatty parts of the fish through filleting the fish and removing the skin before
cooking Cook the fish in ways such as baking broiling or grilling that allow fat (that
contain the unwanted chemicals) to drip away [13]
18
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
bull Other chemicals such as methyl mercury are stored throughout the fish and cannot be
reduced by filleting The greatest exposure of humans to methylmercury is for those
subsistence fishers recreational fishers and others who regularly eat non-commercial
fish from mercury-polluted waters Of this group pregnant women and women who
may become pregnant in particular should pay careful attention to the state advisories
that warn people against eating fish caught in mercury-polluted waters [14]
Child Health In communities faced with potential exposure to contaminants the many physical differences
between children and adults may require special emphasis Because children play outdoors and
exhibit behaviors that increase their exposure potential they could be at greater risk than are
adults from certain kinds of exposure to hazardous substances A childrsquos lower body weight and
higher relative intake rate results in a greater dose of hazardous substance per unit of body
weight If toxic exposure levels are high enough during critical growth stages the developing
body systems of children can sustain permanent damage Also children are dependent on adults
for access to housing for access to medical care and for risk identification [3] Thus adults need as
much information as possible to make informed decisions regarding their childrenrsquos health
PADOH also recognize that the unique vulnerabilities of children demand special attention Windows
of vulnerability (critical periods) exist during development particularly during early gestation but also
throughout pregnancy infancy childhood and adolescence periods when toxicants may permanently
impair or alter structure and function Unique childhood vulnerabilities may be present because at
birth many organs and body systems (including the lungs and the immune endocrine reproductive
and nervous systems) have not achieved structural or functional maturity These organ systems
continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence Children may exhibit differences in
absorption metabolism storage and excretion of toxicants resulting in higher biologically effective
doses to target tissues [15] However at this time PADOH do not have residential environmental
sampling data to evaluate whether children might be exposed to contaminants that could harm their
health It is PADOH understanding that as part of EPArsquos RIFS EPA will collect residential sampling
PADOH will review the sampling data when available
19
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Community Concerns In September 2011 prior to being finalized on the NPL EPA community involvement staff went door-
to-door in the community adjacent to the site EPA distributed a community factsheet and solicited
any concerns from the community PADOHrsquos community assessment for the site found there is not a
high level of concern about past and potential health effects from the site However the community is
ready and eager to receive information about the site and future public health assessments
Conclusions PADOH reviewed the available environmental sampling data for the site and conclude the following
Exposures to on-site soil adjacent Stoney Creek sediment and groundwater contamination are
not expected to harm peoplersquos health because access to the site and adjacent areas are
controlled so the public is not being exposed to on-site contamination as long as access remains
restricted The potential for workersrsquo exposures is limited because a gravel and stone surface
cover along with existing structures limits direct contact with the heavily contaminated subshy
surface soils and groundwater Therefore there is no completed exposure pathway
PADOH cannot conclude whether ingestion and inhalation of off-site residential soil and
wind-blown dust could harm peoplersquos health No environmental sampling data has been
collected in the adjacent community to characterize potential off-site exposures Surface soil in
the residential community could potentially be contaminated from historical site activities
PADOH cannot conclude whether residential or on-site inhalation of contaminated
groundwater via vapor intrusion into indoor air could harm peoplersquos health Groundwater
on the site has been shown to be highly contaminated with VOCs Currently there is no off-site
groundwater sampling data If VOC levels are high enough in groundwater and the
groundwater is close enough to the surface they can move through the soil above the water
table andor through cracks or gaps in the sub-surface up into overlying buildings Vapor
intrusion from groundwater contaminated with VOCs into off-site and on-site structures
remains a potential exposure pathway of concern However currently there is no indoor air
data to determine if vapor intrusion is occurring PADOH recommends that EPA collect vapor
intrusion samples in the on-site buildings both sub-slab and indoor air to investigate the vapor
intrusion pathway If groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of
VOCs in the groundwater beneath residential areas or the potential for migration PADOH
recommends EPA consider collecting vapor intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to
investigate the vapor intrusion pathway
PADOH do not have fish tissue sampling data from the Delaware River to evaluate However
given the potential for bioaccumulation of some site contaminants detected in the sediments
and the current fish consumption advisories the public should follow the current fish
consumption advisories Several of the contaminates detected in site investigations have a high
potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in fish including benzo(a)anthracene
benzo(a)pyrene cadmium mercury PCBs and pyrene As a result of contamination from
industrial properties along the Delaware River in particular mercury and PCB contamination
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has issued fish consumption advisories
20
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Recommendations Based on a review of the available environmental sampling data and site information PADOH
recommends the following actions be taken for the site
1 Given the historical activities at the site the past environmental violations by the site on-site
sampling data showing significant sub-surface contamination and the lack of off-site sampling
data PADOH recommends EPA collect offsite sampling data for surface soil in the residential
areas north of the Metro Container Site
2 If residential groundwater data collected as part of the RIFS indicate high levels of VOCrsquos or the
potential for migration to indoor air PADOH recommends EPA consider collecting vapor
intrusion samples both sub-slab and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
3 PADOH recommends EPA collect vapor intrusion samples in the on-site building both sub-slab
and indoor air to address the vapor intrusion pathway
4 Given the significant sub-surface concentrations of multiple contaminants on-site excavations
have the potential for off-site migration PADOH recommends sub-surface excavation activities
only be performed following OSHA hazardous waste operations guidelines and after a health and
safety plan and briefing has been conducted which is required under 29 CFR 1910120 by EPA for
all field activities EPA should conduct air sampling at the site perimeter to ensure soil dust does
not migrate off-site to the adjacent community
5 Although not specific to the site alone the public should follow the PA Fish and Boat
Commissionsrsquo current fish advisories for the lower Delaware River due to PCB and mercury
contamination
a The American eel and carp are subject to no-eat fish advisories in the lower Delaware
River from Trenton New Jersey to PennsylvaniaDelaware border
b Consumption of other fish such as white perch channel catfish flathead catfish and striped
bass are advised to be eaten in limited quantities of one meal per month One meal is
assumed to be one-half pound of fish (8 oz before cooking) for a 150-pound person The
meal advice is equally protective for larger people who eat larger meals and smaller people
who eat smaller meals
c In addition properly trimming and cooking of fish can reduce the concentration of PCBs
and other chemicals
Public Health Action Plan
The public health action plan for the site contains a description of actions that have been or will be
taken by PADOH The purpose of the public health action plan is to ensure that this health consultation
both identifies public health hazards and provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent
harmful human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances
Public health actions that have been taken include In 2013 PADOH produced this HC for the site
21
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
In 2011 PADOH along with staff from EPA Region 3 visited the site and the surrounding
community
In 2011 PADOH along with PADEP and EPA attended a public availability session to discuss any
community concerns related to the site
Public health action that currently or will be implemented
PADOH will
bull Provide education and outreach to the community
bull Inform people living near the site of ways to avoid exposures especially for children that
might eat contaminated soil
bull Remain available to discuss any public health questions or concerns related to the site with
community members and local authorities provide and discuss this HC with community
members
bull Attend meetings with the community as well as state and local government agencies and
bull Review additional environmental sampling data if available
22
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
References
1 EPA News release Metro Container Corp added to the NPL list March 2012
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895htmcommunity
2 EPA HRS document for the Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovsuperfundsitesdocrecpdoc1852pdf
3 ATSDR Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual 2005
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovhacPHAManualtochtml
4 MWH Americas Site Characterization Report for the Former Metro Container Site
prepared for Conoco Philips Company November 2005
5 EPA Factsheet for Metro Container Site September 2011
httpwwwepagovreg3hwmdnplPAD044545895fsMetro-Container-Fact-Sheetpdf
6 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA November 2007
7 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA April 2009
8 Tetra Tech Trip Report for Metro Container Site prepared for EPA June 2010
9 EPA Biennial National Listing of Fish Advisories November 2011
httpwaterepagovscitechswguidancefishshellfishfishadvisoriesuploadtechnical_factsh
eet_2010pdfEPA Factsheet PCBrsquos Impact on Fish Advisories September 1999
httpwwwclu-inorgdownloadcontaminantfocuspcbpcb-impact-on-fish-advisoriesshy
1999pdf
10 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Fish Consumption Advisories 2012
httpfishandboatcomfishpubsummarysumconsumptionpdf
11 PADEP Factsheet on Fish Consumption Advisories 2011
httpwwwelibrarydepstatepausdswebGetDocument-854823800-FS-DEP2700pdf
12 NJDEP Statewide Estuary and Marine Waters 2012 Advisories
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriesstatewidehtmdelaware
13 NJDEP Preparation and Cooking Methods for Fish Under Advisory 2010
httpwwwstatenjusdepdsrfishadvisoriescook-prephtm
14 ATSDR ToxFaqrsquos for Mercury April 1999
httpwwwatsdrcdcgovtoxfaqstfaspid=113amptid=24
15 EPA Strategy for Research on Environmental Risks to Children August 2000
httpwwwepagovnceapdfsstrat4resrchpdf
23
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Report Preparation
This Health Consultation for the Metro Container site was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health (PADOH) under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR) It is in accordance with the approved agency methods policies
procedures existing at the date of publication Editorial review was completed by the cooperative
agreement partner ATSDR has reviewed this document and concurs with its findings based on the
information presented ATSDRrsquos approval of this document has been captured in an electronic
database and the approving agency reviewers are listed below
PADOH Authors
Christine Lloyd
Epidemiology Program Specialist
Farhad Ahmed
Principal Investigator
ATSDR Reviewers
Robert Helverson
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3
Jennifer Freed
Technical Project Officer
ATSDRDCHI
24
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Appendix 1 Figures
25
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 1 ndash Topographic map of the Metro Container site
26
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 2 ndash Site map of the Metro Container site
27
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 3 - Demographic map for the community near the Metro Container site
28
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 4- Map of EPArsquos 2007 sampling for groundwater soil sediment and soil gas for Metro
Container site
29
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 5- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 sediment sampling for the Metro Container site
30
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Figure 6- Map of EPArsquos 2008 and 2010 additional sediment sampling collected along Stoney Creek
for the Metro Container site
31
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Appendix 2 Site Photographs
32
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Photo 1 ndash View of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries the current property occupant
as a chemical storage and painting area In the foreground is a paved parking lot used by the adjacent
site office
Photo 2 ndash Additional view of current on-site building used by Trainer Industries as storage for
chemicals and paints
33
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Photo 3 ndash Additional view of current on-site building on the site with adjacent area to the west
currently used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to repainting
Photo 4 ndash Current site operations includes an area used for blasting of pipes and vessels prior to
repainting
34
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Photo 5 ndash Graded overflow parking lot on the Metro Container site and an adjacent industrial
property which operates a scrap metal business
Photo 6 - Groundwater monitoring well located on the western portion of the Metro Container
property near the former lagoons
35
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Photo 7 ndash View of adjacent former Conoco Phillips property
Photo 8 ndash Former Conoco Phillips cooling tower adjacent to the Metro Container site
36
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Photo 9 - On-site Stoney creek located between Metro Container and the former Conoco Philips
property
37
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Appendix 3
Glossary of Terms
38
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
Absorption The process of taking in For a person or an animal absorption is the process of a substance getting
into the body through the eyes skin stomach intestines or lungs
Acute Occurring over a short time [compare with chronic]
Acute exposure Contact with a substance that occurs once or for only a short time (up to 14 days) [compare with
intermediate duration exposure and chronic exposure]
Adverse health effects A change in body functions or cell structure that might lead to disease or health problems
Background level An average or expected amount of a substance or radioactive material in a specific environment or
typical amounts of substances that occur naturally in an environment
Bioaccumulation Accumulation of chemicals in the tissue of organisms through any route including respiration
ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water sediment and pore water in the sediment
Biological Uptake The transfer of substances from the environment to plants animals and humans
Biomagnification Related to bioaccumulation and is the process whereby the tissue concentrations of a contaminant
increase as it passes up the food chain through two or more trophic levels such as aquatic organisms
Carcinogen A substance that causes cancer
Chronic exposure Contact with a substance that occurs over a long time (more than 1 year) [compare with acute exposure
and intermediate duration exposure]
Comparison value (CV) Calculated concentration of a substance in air water food or soil that is unlikely to cause harmful
(adverse) health effects in exposed people The CV is used as a screening level during the public health
assessment process Substances found in amounts greater than their CVs might be selected for further
evaluation in the public health assessment process
Completed exposure pathway [see exposure pathway]
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) CERCLA also known as Superfund is the federal law that concerns the removal or cleanup of
hazardous substances in the environment and at hazardous waste sites ATSDR which was created by
CERCLA is responsible for assessing health issues and supporting public health activities related to
39
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
hazardous waste sites or other environmental releases of hazardous substances This law was later
amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
Concentration The amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil water air food blood hair urine
breath or any other media
Contaminant A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that
might cause harmful (adverse) health effects
Environmental media Soil water air biota (plants and animals) or any other parts of the environment that can contain
contaminants
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exposure Contact with a substance by swallowing breathing or touching the skin or eyes Exposure may be
short-term [acute exposure] of intermediate duration or long-term [chronic exposure]
Exposure pathway The route a substance takes from its source (where it began) to its end point (where it ends) and how
people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) it An exposure pathway has five parts a source
of contamination (such as an abandoned business) an environmental media and transport mechanism
(such as movement through groundwater) a point of exposure (such as a private well) a route of
exposure (eating drinking breathing or touching) and a receptor population (people potentially or
actually exposed) When all five parts are present the exposure pathway is termed a completed
exposure pathway
Feasibility Study A study by EPA to determine the best way to clean up environmental contamination A number of
factors are considered including health risk costs and what methods will work well
Groundwater Water beneath the earths surface in the spaces between soil particles and between rock surfaces
[compare with surface water]
Hazard A source of potential harm from past current or future exposures
Hazardous waste Potentially harmful substances that have been released or discarded into the environment
Health consultation A review of available information or collection of new data to respond to a specific health question or
request for information about a potential environmental hazard Health consultations are focused on a
specific exposure issue Health consultations are therefore more limited than a public health
40
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
assessment which reviews the exposure potential of each pathway and chemical [compare with public
health assessment]
Health education Programs designed with a community to help it know about health risks and how to reduce these risks
Ingestion The act of swallowing something through eating drinking or mouthing objects A hazardous
substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Inhalation The act of breathing A hazardous substance can enter the body this way [see route of exposure]
Intermediate duration exposure Contact with a substance that occurs for more than 14 days and less than a year [compare with acute
exposure and chronic exposure]
mgkg Milligram per kilogram equal to parts per million (ppm)
microgkg Micrograms per kilogram equal to parts per billion (ppb)
National Priorities List for Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites (National Priorities List or NPL)
EPAs list of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States
The NPL is updated on a regular basis
Plume A volume of a substance that moves from its source to places farther away from the source Plumes
can be described by the volume of air or water they occupy and the direction they move For example
a plume can be a column of smoke from a chimney or a substance moving with groundwater
Point of exposure The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment [see
exposure pathway]
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Semi-volatile compounds which include benzo[a]anthracene benzo[a]pyrene and naphthalene
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual chlorinated compounds (known as
congeners or aroclors)
Population A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar characteristics (such as
occupation or age)
ppb Parts per billion
41
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42
ppm Parts per million
Public health action A list of steps to protect public health
Risk The probability that something will cause injury or harm
Route of exposure The way people come into contact with a hazardous substance Three routes of exposure are breathing
[inhalation] eating or drinking [ingestion] or contact with the skin [dermal contact]
Sample A portion or piece of a whole A selected subset of a population or subset of whatever is being studied
For example in a study of people the sample is a number of people chosen from a larger population
[see population] An environmental sample (for example a small amount of soil or water) might be
collected to measure contamination in the environment at a specific location
Sediment Particles of clay silt and sand created by the weathering of rocks and soil and is present in streams
and rivers
Source of contamination The place where a hazardous substance comes from such as a landfill waste pond incinerator storage
tank or drum A source of contamination is the first part of an exposure pathway
Substance A chemical
Surface water Water on the surface of the earth such as in lakes rivers streams ponds and springs [compare with
groundwater]
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air VOCs include substances such as benzene
toluene methylene chloride and methyl chloroform
42